Individualized feeding in the farrowing unit is a key factor for performance in modern pig production. At Asserva, this promise is delivered through Materneo, an individual feeding dispenser that adjusts the ration to the sow’s real nutritional needs.
Cédric Le Mée, a farrow-to-finish producer located in Côtes-d’Armor (Plémet, France), manages 340 sows and has been using the system since 2018.
Over approximately eight years of use, the farm has gained around 1.5 additional piglets weaned per sow, increasing from an average of 14 to just over 15.
Materneo Principle: Precision and Animal-Driven Rhythm
Materneo extends our Selfifeeder concept to provide connected, precision management in the farrowing house. The goal is to feed each sow according to her intake speed and daily nutritional requirements.
The pneumatic system dispenses feed in small quantities (100 to 200 g) with a distribution accuracy of within 3 to 5 grams. To prevent any waste, two level sensors at the bottom of the trough authorize a new dose only when the previous one has been fully consumed.
Materneo also manages watering: each feed dose is accompanied by a dose of water. Additionally, programmable water curves allow micro-doses between meals, stimulating water intake and improving hydration.
Measurable Technical Gains
Materneo has generated clear technical benefits for Cédric Le Mée’s operation:
- More piglets weaned
Over approximately eight years of use, the farm has gained around 1.5 additional piglets weaned per sow, increasing from an average of 14 to just over 15. - Optimized feed use
The system has significantly reduced feed waste in the farrowing unit and improved the quantity consumed per sow, particularly during the lactation phase. - Improved working conditions
Materneo is a high-performance tool that simplifies daily tasks. The sensors automatically handle feed refusals, eliminating the need for producers to empty troughs or adjust dry feeders manually.
Control is centralized via software on a PC and accessible through the Materneo mobile application. The farmer can retrieve detailed history of feed and water consumption and even deliver manual individual doses at pen-side when necessary.
The objective: healthy sows and stronger piglets
By ensuring fresh and individualized feeding, the goal is to wean sows in good body condition and produce stronger, better-immunized, and heavier piglets.
Planning to Optimize Your Farrowing Unit?
Materneo offers individualized feeding management and automated water distribution that stimulates and supports optimal intake.
